Call Out: 11th Nov : Ben Lomond

Click here to go back to the news reports page
Call Out: 11th Nov : Ben LomondA party of three experienced hill runners left Rowardennan for a circular route around Ben Lomond, leaving at 09:00. Their planned route was up the west Highland Way as far as Cailness, then up the landrover track towards Comer Farm. They then followed the forestry tracks south and west towards the indistinct path leading over the high moorland of the Moin Eich. This connects eventually with the 'tourist path' leading south off Ben Lomond and back down to Rowardenan.

As darkness fell, they could progress no further, as they did not possess a torch and were unsure of their position. At 18:45, they managed to get a mobile signal and contact the Police requesting assistance.

The Team were contacted at 19:10. Contact was made with the missing party and questioning ascertained their approximate position. The party were by now tired and getting very cold in subzero temperatures. They were instructed to stay where they were and once they saw torch beams or flares then to blow their whistle and shout to attract attention.

Lomond MRT were called out at 19:34. By 20:05, the first hill party was making its way up the tourist track. The casualties were located at 21:50. Reviving warm drinks and spare clothing were issued and then the casualties were escorted off the hill to awaiting landrovers.

At 23:40, all hill groups were accounted for and the incident concluded.